Locking tube clip

ABSTRACT

A component useable with one or more tube comprises a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to components for medical circuits. In oneparticular aspect, the invention relates to a component locatable aboutthe exterior surface of a corrugated breathing tube, such as for use inthe inspiratory and/or expiratory limb of a breathing circuit, or forcorrugated tubes associated with surgical insufflation systems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In medical applications, such as with assisted breathing, the gasesinhaled by a patient or user are preferably delivered In a conditionhaving humidity near saturation level and at close to body temperature(usually at a temperature between 33° C. and 37° C.). In facilitatingdelivery of gases to a patient in such preferred conditions, breathingtubes (or medical tubes) may be used. Such tubes may take various shapesand configurations. One generally used configuration is (at least) anexternally corrugated tube.

In various instances, the corrugated tubing is advantageously placed orpositioned in certain locations relative to the patient or user. Forexample, the tubing may need to be held in a position or supported suchthat the weight of the tubing such not exert forces on the patient oruser or other associated medical devices they may be using, such asmasks or other interfaces. Enabling the positioning, support andadjustment of tubing between various further positioned or supportedpositions for patients or users would be beneficial.

In this specification, where reference has been made to patentspecifications, other external documents, or other sources ofinformation, this is generally for the purpose of providing a contextfor discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically statedotherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construedas an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, inany jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common generalknowledge in the art.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a component for usewith a medical circuit that will at least go some way towards improvingon the above or which will at least provide the public or the medicalprofession with a useful choice.

In a first aspect, the present invention may be said to broadly consistin a component for use with one or more tubes, the component comprisinga body engageable with one or more external surface recesses ofrespective one or more tubes, and a pair of jaws extending from the bodyfor gripping an item such that, in use, in a first orientation of thebody relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component ismovable along a length of the tube(s), and in a second orientation ofthe body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component isresistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).

Preferably in use, the body is substantially surrounding of a perimeterof the tube(s).

Preferably an internal surface of the body is engageable with the one ormore external surface recesses of the tube(s).

Preferably in the first orientation the component is in a plane suchthat the body engageable with external recesses of the respectivetube(s) is substantially co-axial with the respective tube(s), and inthe second orientation the component is in a plane such that the body isengageable with external recesses of the respective tube(s) issubstantially non co-axial with the respective tube(s).

Preferably one or more portions extend from the body to be engageablewith the recesses of the tube(s).

Preferably the one or more portions is/are fixed portions.

Preferably the one or more portions is/are an annular lip or aprojection or projections extending from an internal surface of thebody.

Preferably the jaws are opposing upon one another in a closed position.

Preferably the jaws are co-acting upon each other in a closed position.

Preferably the jaws are hingedly biased toward each other in reaching asubstantially closed position.

Preferably the jaws are openable from a substantially closed positionfor gripping of an item, openable by deflecting the jaws away from eachother.

Preferably the jaws are openable and grippable of an item for locatingof the tube engaged by the component in a set position.

Preferably the component is positioned on the tube(s), such that, whenthe component is in the second orientation, and the jaws are gripping ofan item, the component acts to locate the tube(s) in a set position.

Preferably the item comprises one or more of the following: clothing,bedding, structures associated with personal clothing (e.g. personallanyard, belt) or bedding (e.g. bed frame, mattress), structuresassociated with medical equipment or where a user is located (e.g.stands, bed side table), incubators, or cots.

Preferably the body comprises a shoulder portion associated with eachjaw of the pair of jaws, the shoulder portion providing a surface foractuation, by a user, of the jaws to an open position.

Preferably the shoulder portion is an enlarged region of the body.

Preferably in use, the shoulder portions are deflectable towards eachother, such that, in-use, deflection moves the jaws from a closed orsubstantially closed position to or toward a substantially openposition, and release of the deflection allows the hingedly biased jawsto move back to the closed or substantially closed position.

Preferably the shoulder portions are sized for actuation by fingers of auser, or are finger tabs.

Preferably one or each jaw comprises grips for gripping of an item.

Preferably the grips are one or a series of ridges, projections orteeth, such grips being interlockable or interposing with one or morecorresponding grips of an opposing jaw.

Preferably one of more of the grips is shaped to expose one or a seriesof acute angled portions facing inwardly toward the body.

Preferably one of more of the grips is shaped to expose one or a seriesof obtusely angled portions facing outwardly away from the body.

Preferably the body is configured to be substantially annular about theexterior surface of the, or each, respective tube(s).

Preferably the body further comprises at least one retainer portion forretaining of an accessory.

Preferably the accessory is an electrical cable, or sensor cable (suchas a temperature probe cable), or a lanyard.

Preferably the accessory is a temperature probe cable.

Preferably the retainer portion is a recessed region of the body.

Preferably the body configured to be engageable with two or more tubes.

Preferably the body is configured to substantially surround two or moretubes.

Preferably the body engageable with one or more external surfacerecesses of the respective one or more tubes comprises, for eachrespective tube: at least one first projection engageable with acorresponding first recess of a respective tube, and at least one secondprojection engageable with the same first or another recess, of the samerespective tube.

Preferably in the first orientation, the internal surface of the bodycomprises, for each of the respective one or more tubes: at least onefirst projection engageable with a corresponding first recess of arespective tube, and at least one second projection engageable with thesame or another recess, of the same respective tube, located near thefirst recess in which the at least one first projection is engageable.

Preferably in the second orientation, the internal surface of the bodycomprises, for each of the respective one or more tubes: the at leastone first and at least one second projections engaged with a recess orrecesses of each respective tube, wherein the engaged recesses of eachrespective tube are separated from one another by a distance along thelength of each of the respective tube(s).

Preferably in the second orientation, the at least one first and atleast one second projections act on each of the respective tube(s), orits recesses or a part thereof, to restrain the component from beingmoved between recesses or along a length of the respective tube(s).

Preferably there are two first projections, and a single secondprojection.

Preferably in the first orientation, the two first projections areengageable with a corresponding first recess of a first of one or morerespective tube(s), and the single second projection is engageable withthe same or another recess of the same first respective tube locatednear the first recess in which the at least one first projection isengageable.

Preferably in the second orientation, the two first projections areengageable with a corresponding first recess of the first of the one ormore respective tube(s), and the single second projection is engageablewith a recess of the same first respective tube separated from the firstrecesses by a distance along the length of the same first respectivetube.

Preferably the body is engageable with one or more external surfacerecesses of a pair of tubes, the body comprising: at least one firstprojection engageable with a corresponding first recess of a firstrespective tube, and at least one second projection engageable with thesame first or another recess, of the same first respective tube, and atleast one further first projection engageable with a corresponding firstrecess of a second respective tube, and at least one further secondprojection engageable with the same first or another recess, of the samesecond respective tube.

Preferably body comprises at least one lip for engaging with at leastone recess of the or each respective tube(s).

Preferably the lip is one or a series of projections extendingsubstantially annularly about a surface of the body and beingrespectively engageable with the one or more external surface recessesof the or each respective tube(s).

Preferably the tube(s) is a medical breathing tube.

Preferably the tube is a medical breathing tube. For example, a medicalbreathing tube is defined by International standard ISO 5367:2000(E)(Fourth edition, 2000 Jun. 1).

The term “comprising” as used in this specification is open and means“consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement inthis specification that includes the term “comprising”, features otherthan that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Relatedterms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in thesame manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts,elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification ofthe application, individually or collectively, and any or allcombinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, andwhere specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructionsof which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way ofexample only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an end view of one embodiment of a component that is arrangedand configured in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a component according to certainfeatures, aspects and advantages of the invention, with jaws yet to bemoved into an opposing operational arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a further top perspective view of the component of FIG. 3,showing the jaws moved into their opposing operational arrangement.

FIG. 5 shows the component of FIGS. 1-4 in-situ about a corrugated tube.

FIGS. 6A and 7A show a component in a first orientation relative to thetube about which it is positioned.

FIGS. 6B and 7B show a component in a second orientation relative to thetube about which it is positioned.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a further embodiment according to certainfeatures, aspects and advantages of the invention, with jaws yet to bemoved into their operational arrangement.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the component as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of FIG. 8, showing annular rib andteeth of the gripping jaws.

FIG. 11 shows the component of FIGS. 8-10 in an in-situ position about atube, with jaws not yet moved into an operational arrangement.

FIG. 12 shows the component of FIGS. 8-11 in an in-situ position about atube, with jaws moved into their operational arrangement.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a first orientation of the component shownby FIGS. 8-12 about a tube.

FIG. 14 generally illustrates one form of a medical circuit provided fora user, in providing a source of humidified breathing gas.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 show a component configured for engagingwith a pair of tubes.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a component configured forengaging with a pair of tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, the terms “medical circuit” and “breathingcircuit” are used to indicate the general field of the invention. It isto be understood that a “circuit” is intended to include open circuits,which do not form a complete closed circuit. For example, CPAP systemstypically consist of a single inspiratory breathing tube between theblower and the patient interface. The term “breathing circuit” isintended to include such “open circuits”. Similarly, the term “medicalcircuit” is intended to include both breathing circuits and insufflationcircuits, which are also typically “open.” Similarly, the term “medicaltubing” is intended to be read as flexible tubing suitable for use inthe type of medical circuits described above connecting betweencomponents of a medical circuit and providing a low resistance gasespathway between components of a medical circuit.

In the field of medical circuits, and in particular breathing circuits,including anaesthetic circuits, condensation or rain-out can be aparticular problem where high humidity breathing gases come into contactwith the walls of a component at a relatively lower temperature. Withreference to FIG. 14, a humidified ventilation system is shown in whicha patient 100 is receiving humidified and pressurised gases through apatient interface 102 connected to a humidified gases transportationpathway or inspiratory breathing tube 103. It will be appreciated thepatient interface 102 may take the form of a nasal mask, oral mask,oronasal mask, nasal prongs, endotracheal tube or full-face mask, forexample but without limitation.

It should be understood that delivery systems could also be continuous,variable or bi-level positive airway pressure or numerous other forms ofrespiratory therapy. The inspiratory tube 103 is connected to the outlet104 of a humidification chamber 105 which contains a volume of water106. The inspiratory tube 103 may include a heater or heater wires (notshown) which heat the humidified gases within the tube to reduce theformation of condensation. The humidification chamber 105 is heated by aheater plate 107 of humidifier base 108. The humidifier 108 is providedwith an electronic controller which may comprise a microprocessor basedcontroller executing computer software commands stored in associatedmemory.

In response to the user set humidity or temperature value input via dial110, for example, and/or other inputs, the controller determines when(or to what level) to energise heater plate 107 to heat the water 106within the humidification chamber 105. As the volume of water is heated,water vapour begins to fill the chamber above the water's surface and ispassed out of the humidification chamber outlet 104. A flow of gases(for example, air) is provided from a gases supply or ventilator 115,which enters the chamber 105 through inlet 116. Exhaled gases from thepatient's mouth are returned to the ventilator via a return expiratorybreathing tube 130 that may also include a heater or heater wires (notshown), which heat the humidified gases within the expiratory breathingtube to reduce the formation of condensation.

It is preferable that medical tubing (for example the inspiratory and/orexpiratory breathing tubes 103,130) is: resistant to crushing, resistantto restrictions in flow when bent (e.g., increased resistance to flow<50% when bent around a 1 inch cylinder), resistant to kinking,resistant to changes in length/volume under fluctuating internalpressure (e.g., resistance to compliance), resistant to leaking (e.g.,<25 ml/min @6 kPa), have low flow resistance (e.g., increase in pressure@ max. rated flow <0.2 kPa), electrically safe (e.g., resistant tosparks in the tubing) given an operating environment that may beoxygen-rich.

International standard ISO 5367:2000(E) (Fourth edition, 2000 Jun. 1) isone example of how some of these desirable parameters are measured andquantified, and the document is hereby incorporated into thisspecification in its entirety by reference. It is preferable thatcomponents described herein meet or exceed some or all of thesestandards. Further, reference to medical tubes includes breathing tubesas defined in the above ISO standard.

In accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of thisinvention, a component 1 is provided as an accessory for use withmedical tubing. The components has particular application for thepositioning and support of such medical tubing relative to a user orequipment associated with the user (e.g., user interfaces or patientinterfaces, such as masks, nasal cannula and the like, briefly describedabove).

The ability to locate a medical tube relative to a user has certainadvantages. Being able to help support the weight of the medical tubingconnected to equipment associated with the user has a number ofadvantages including but not limited to, for example, reducing theweight transferred to a user or equipment associated with the user,which may in turn impact on the efficiency of a treatment being providedto a user, or the overall comfort experienced by a user when using suchequipment.

Further, as a user moves or re-positions their body relative to themedical tubing or associated equipment, strain may be transferred to thetubing or to the user via the associated equipment. A relatively quickand effective re-positioning or re-locating of the tubing to providesupport again would be useful. Certain features, aspects and advantagesof the present invention attempt to provide or go at least some waytowards providing at least an alternative component facilitating suchadvantages. Such a component can be utilised to position or locateinspiratory or expiratory medical tubing, or other tubing associatedwith such medical circuits as described above. Particular applicationmay have uses in the OSA fields, as well as in hospital situations.

According to the one aspect of the present invention, a component 1 isprovided for use with a tube. The component 1 comprises a body 2engageable with one or more external surface recesses 3 (or surfacerelief portions or sections) of a tube (e.g., such as those of acorrugated tube or tube with a helically recessed surface region). Thecomponent 1 includes a pair of jaws 4 that extend from the body 2. Thejaws 4 can be used for attaching to or for gripping of an item (notshown). In use, in a first orientation 5 of the body 2 relative to thetube recesses 3, the component 1 is movable along a length of the tube.While in a second orientation 6 of the body 2 relative to the tuberecesses 3, the component 1 is resistive to movement along a length ofthe tube.

In a further aspect, the component 1 provides for use with one or moretubes (not shown). The component 1 comprises a body 2 engageable withone or more external surface recesses 3 (or surface relief portions orsections) of respective one or more tubes.

The one or more tubes (not shown) are receivable by the body 2, with thebody 2 being engageable with the external recesses of such tubes. Thecomponent 1 includes a pair of jaws 4 extending from the body 2 forgripping an item (not shown). In use, in a first orientation 5 of thebody 2 relative to the respective tube(s) recesses (e.g. corrugations ofa tube or tubes), the component 1 is movable along a length of thetube(s), and in a second orientation 6 of the body relative to therespective tube(s) recesses, the component 1 is resistive to movementalong a length of the tube(s).

In respect of the above, it will be seen that FIGS. 1-2 show variousembodiments of a component 1 and in relation to certain tubes of helicalor axial corrugation. The general configuration and arrangement as shownfor the first and second orientations of the embodiments of component 1shown by FIGS. 15-20 will be accordingly understood with reference tothose FIGS. 1-13B.

Advantageously, in the first orientation 5, the component 1 is orientedin a plane such that the body 2 is engageable with certain externalrecesses 3 of the tube when substantially co-axial with the tube. And,in the second orientation 6, the component 1 is oriented in a plane suchthat the body 2 is engageable with certain other external recesses 3 ofthe tube when substantially non co-axial with the tube. It will beappreciated, where for example the body 2 is configured for receivingtwo or more respective tubes, the component 1 is adapted to operate inthe same manner.

Surface recesses 3 can include surface relief features, such asrepeating recesses 3 or other surface relief features such as those of acorrugated tube, or a tube having a helical outer rib extending alongthe length of the tube being held or engaged therewith by body 2.

FIGS. 6A, 7A and 13A show two different embodiments of the component 1in a first orientation 5 relative to a corrugated tube. FIGS. 6A, 6B and13A show a component 1 in a position about a linearly corrugated tube,while FIGS. 7A, 7B and 13B show a component 1 in a position about ahelically corrugated tube. It will be appreciated the component 1 willalso operate in the same manner on a linearly or helically corrugatedtube, or those tubes where the surface recesses 3 or relief features areribs with interposed recesses 3, whether helical or linear relieffeatures or ribs. The component 1 embodiments as shown by FIGS. 15-19operate in the same manner, but are configured with a body 2 adapted toengage with a pair of tubes.

The body 2 substantially surrounds the perimeter, or circumference, ofthe tube(s), such that a portion or portions (such as projection 7 or20, 22 or 30) of the body 2 are engageable with the surface recesses 3or with surface relief portions or sections. Accordingly, the component1 is enabled to be moved along the tube when in a first bodyorientation, yet the component 1 being resistive to being moved alongthe tube when in a second body orientation relative to the tube'srecesses 3 or surface relief features.

As a part of substantially surrounding the tube, an internal surface (orsurfaces or portions of the internal surface) of the body 2 is or areengageable with the one or more external surface recesses 3 (or relieffeatures) of the tube. In this manner, the body 2 may be substantiallyannular about the exterior surface of the tube being engaged. FIGS. 5,11, 12 show such a component 1 in-situ about a tube, and illustrate howportions of the body 2 are engageable with surface recesses 3 or surfacerelief features of the tube to which the component 1 surrounds.

Turning to the jaws 4 of the component 1, in one preferred embodimentthe jaws 4 are configured to be opposing upon one another, or co-actingon each other, when in their closed position 8. Such jaws 4, or othervariations of these, may be configured such that they are hingedlybiased toward each other in reaching a substantially closed position 8.Further, the jaws 4 can be openable from a substantially closed position8 to enable the jaws 4 to receive and then close upon an item forgripping of that item. The jaws 4 can be openable by deflecting the jaws4 away from each other. Manually actuating the jaws 4 to create such adeflection or opening is additionally facilitated by providing fingergrips or tabs for the user of the component 1.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a component 1 where the jaws 4 aredisplaced and yet to be moved into a co-acting or opposing relationshipwith each other, FIG. 4 shows more clearly how the jaws 4 are arrangedwhen the component 1 is provided for use, reference is also made to FIG.2 showing the grips and inter-posing arrangement of the grips on thejaws 4.

In a similar manner, FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 illustrate another component 1embodiment, again where the jaws 4 are yet to be moved into theiropposing relationship. FIG. 12 shows the opposing and inter-posedarrangement of the jaws 4 and grips of such a further embodiment.

The jaws 4 are openable and can receive and then close to grip an itemenabling a more secure option for locating of the tube that is engagedby the component 1.

It will be appreciated this one or more feature, aspect or advantage ofthe invention provides for the re-positioning of the component 1 ontodifferent items or objects, as and where a user desires most useful forcomfort or other reasons.

Further, the component 1 allows the tube (and any attachments connectedwith the tube) to be re-positioned by moving of the tube when thecomponent 1 is moved into the first body orientation that allows thecomponent 1 to be moved along the tube (and about or from surface recessto recess or relief feature to feature) from a first set position to asecond set position. When such a second set position is reached, theuser re-orientates the component 1 such that the second body orientationis achieved to then prevent movement between the tube and component 1(or at least to substantially resist movement between these). FIGS. 6Aand 7A show the first orientation of a component relative to the recessor surface relief features or trough of a tube, while FIGS. 6B and 7Bshow component 1 when in a second orientation 6 relative to a tube'srecesses or surface relief features or trough.

In one form, the portions of the body 2 engageable with the recesses 3(or other surface relief features) are fixed or static portions of thebody 2 (i.e. are not moveable). See for example the annular rib or lipportion 30 of FIGS. 8-13B, or portions 20, 22 of FIGS. 1-7B.

Various items or objects that the component 1 may be attached to (i.e.grip) includes one or more of the following: clothing, bedding,structures associated with personal clothing (e.g. personal lanyard,belt) or bedding (e.g. bed frame, mattress), structures associated withmedical equipment or where a user is located (e.g. stands, bed sidetable), including incubators, and cots. It will be appreciated otheritems or objects can be used to attaching the component 1 to via thegripping jaws 4. Accordingly, when the component 1 is in the secondorientation 6 and the jaws 4 are gripping of an item, the component 1acts to locate the tube in a set position.

In other embodiments, a carer (e.g. mother, father or nurse) may hold achild or infant in a “kangaroo” style hold, and in such an instance thecarer may attach the clip to their clothing such that tubing issupported without placing weight onto the patient interface and on tothe child/infant.

As mentioned above, the body 2 can include a shoulder portion 10 (orfinger tab portion) associated with each jaw of the pair of jaws 4. Sucha shoulder portion 10 assists in providing a surface for actuation, by auser, of the jaws 4 to an open position 9. Such shoulder portion 10 can,for example, be an enlarged region of the body 2.

In use, shoulder portion 10 of the body 2 may be deflectable towardseach other, such that, deflection moves the jaws 4 from a closed orsubstantially closed position 8 toward or to an open position 9. Inreturn, release of the deflection provided by a user allows the hingedlybiased jaws 4 to move back to a closed or substantially closed position8. Advantageously, the shoulder portion 10 can be sized for relativeease of actuation by the fingers of a user, i.e. being finger tabs.

In respect of the jaws 4 of the component 1, one or each jaw can includea grip or grips for gripping (e.g. frictionally) of an item or object.In one form, the grips are one or a series of ridges, projections orteeth 11. Such jaw grips are preferably interlocking or inter-lockable(or interposing) with one or more corresponding grips of an opposing orother jaw.

In another embodiment, one of more of the grips can be shaped so as toexpose one (or a series) of acute angled portions that face inwardlytoward the body. Such acutely shaped portions may assist in helping togrip or grab the textile of a cloth (e.g. clothing or bedding sheets).This may for example be facilitated by the acute angled portionspenetrating or semi-penetrating the weave of the cloth or fabric towhich the grips are attached or becoming embedded into.

In yet a further embodiment, although it should be recognised such afeature may be provided in combination with the acutely shaped portionsdiscussed above, one of more of the grips may be shaped so as to exposeone (or a series of) obtusely angled portions facing outwardly away fromthe body. In such a configuration, advantageously the grips allow theease of insertion of cloth or material into the mouth of the jaws, andtherefore allowing the grips (when released from their open position) toengage with the cloth or material (or object). When provided incombination with the acutely shaped portions, sets of grips may beprovided that allow the relative ease of insertion of material into themouth of the jaws, yet the ability to easily remove the material fromthe grips is reduced by the improved gripping capability of the acutelyshaped portions.

Such a component 1 may be formed of any suitable material allowing theabove described features and deflection characteristics. It may bepreferred that such a component 1 is however provided of a suitable,although not necessarily, medical grade material and, may for example,be of a suitable polymeric material.

In a further form, in the first orientation 5, the internal surface ofthe body 2 may comprise at least one first projection 20 engageable witha corresponding first recess of the tube or of a first respective tube,and at least one second projection 22 engageable with the same oranother recess located near the first recess in which the at least onefirst projection 20 is engageable. And, in the second orientation 6, theinternal surface of the body 2 may comprise at least one first 20 and atleast one second projection(s) 22 that are engaged or engageable with arecess or recesses 3 (or other repeating surface relief features) of thetube, or respective tubes, such recesses separated from one another by adistance along the length of the or each respective tube.

When in the second orientation 6, this further form provides for the atleast one first and at least one second projections 22 to act on thetube, or its recesses 3 or a part thereof (or surface relief features),to restrain (or resist) the component 1 from being moved betweenrecesses 3 (or surface relief features) or along a length of the tube.

As illustrated by FIGS. 1-5, the component 1 comprises two firstprojections 20, and a single second projection 22. FIGS. 5-7B illustratesuch a component 1 engageable with a tube and in the first and secondorientation 6.

As shown by FIG. 6A in the first orientation 5, the two firstprojections 20 are engageable with a corresponding first recess of thetube, and the single second projection 22 is engageable with the same oranother recess located near the first recess in which the at least onefirst projection 20 is engageable (i.e. in an orientation or positionwhen the component 1 is able to be moved along the tube with relativeease).

As shown by FIGS. 6B and 7B in the second orientation 6, the two firstprojections 20 are engageable with a corresponding first recess of thetube, and the single second projection 30 is engageable with a recess ofthe tube separated from the first recesses 21 by a distance along thelength of the tube (i.e. in an orientation or position when thecomponent 1 is resistive to being moved along the tube).

In yet a further form, the component's body 2 can comprise of at leastone lip for engaging with at least one recess of the tube, for exampleas illustrated by FIGS. 8-13B, In such a form, the lip can be one or aseries of projections extending in a substantially annular from andabout a surface of the body 2. Such a lip or lips are those portions ofthe body 2 that are engageable with the one or more external surfacerecesses 3 of the tube, as shown by FIGS. 11, 12. FIG. 13A illustratessuch component when in a first orientation 5, where a second orientation6 of such a component is similar to that as shown by FIG. 13B (but asshown in relation to a helically corrugated tube form). Similarly, thetube may be of axial corrugations (i.e. not helical), and the component1 shown in FIG. 13A may be provided to operate in the manner(orientations) as shown by FIGS. 6A, 7A or when the tube has helicalcorrugations, as shown by FIGS. 7A, 7B.

As shown by FIGS. 15-20, the body 2 is engageable with one or moreexternal surface recesses of respective one or more tubes (multipletubes not shown, but body as shown is configured for receiving a pair oftubes). The body is configured, such that for each respective tube, atleast one first projection 7, 20, 50 is engageable with a correspondingfirst recess of a respective tube. And, the body is also configured,such that for the same tube, at least one second projection 7, 22, 51 isengageable with the same first or another recess, of the same respectivetube.

The component 1 shown by FIGS. 15-20, being of a multi-tube engagingbody form, can be moved to be in the first orientation (e.g. the firstorientation being as shown for example in relation to the single tubecomponent embodiments of FIGS. 1-13B).

In such a first orientation, the internal surface of the body comprises,for each of the respective one or more tubes being engaged by the body,at least one first projection 7, 20, 50 engageable with a correspondingfirst recess of a respective tube, and at least one second projection 7,22, 51 engageable with the same or another recess, of the samerespective tube, located near the first recess in which the at least onefirst projection is engageable. Likewise, a further set of at least onefirst projections 7, 20, 60 and a further set of at least one secondprojection 7, 22, 61 is provided for engaging with a second tube. Itwill be understood that the body 2 may be adapted or shaped to receiveand engage with one, two or more than two tubes.

In a second orientation, the internal surface of the body 2 comprises,for each of the respective one or more tubes that the body may beengageable with, at least one first 7, 20 projection(s) and at least onesecond projection(s) 7, 22 engaged with a recess or recesses of eachrespective tube, wherein the engaged recesses of each respective tubeare separated from one another by a distance along the length of each ofthe respective tube(s). The first and second projections 50, 51 are usedin relation to engaging of a first tube, while first and second furtherprojections 60, 61 are used in relation to engaging of a second tube.

It will be appreciated the body 2 may be configured to engaged withadditional tubes, such additional tubes would be engaged by further setsof first and second projections provided by an appropriately shaped body2. For example, FIGS. 15-20 shows a component 1 having a body that isengageable with one or more external surface recesses (e.g.corrugations) of a pair of tubes (not shown). The body 2 of such anembodiment comprises at least one first projection 7, 20, 50 that isengageable with a corresponding first recess of a first respective tube,and at least one second projection 7, 22, 51 engageable with the samefirst or another recess, of the same first respective tube, and at leastone further first projection 7, 20, 60 engageable with a correspondingfirst recess of a second respective tube, and at least one furthersecond projection 7, 22, 61 engageable with the same first or anotherrecess, of the same second respective tube.

FIG. 20 shows yet a further form of a component 1 configured forengaging with multiple tubes, in the embodiment shown, a pair of tubes.The body 2 is engageable with a pair of tubes via the portions orprojections 7, the projections operating in the manner as describedpreviously. A pair of opposing jaws 4 are provided that may be deflectedinto an open position by a user, with teeth 11 (not shown in FIG. 20)that can grip an item. In the embodiment shown, each one of the pair oftubes to be engaged are fitted into the distinct regions of the body 2.The body 2 comprises portions or projections 7 which engage with theexternal surface recesses of the tube. It will be appreciated such acomponent 1 may be shaped for engaging with only one, or two or morethan two tubes. Such a component also comprises of a retainer 40, aswill be described in more detail below.

In addition, it will be appreciated the various embodiments describedabove, and as illustrated, may include a retainer portion for retainingan accessory, for example an accessory that may be associated with thetube, such as an electrical cable or sensor cable (e.g. a temperatureprobe cable). The retainer portion may even be configured for receivinga lanyard such as those that may be looped about a user's neck forfurther supporting the weight held by the clip and grips when grippingan item. However, preferred forms for the retainer 40 include thosewhere a cable may be friction fitted into the retainer portion orregion. Such a retainer may be shaped to receive and hold cable inin-situ, such as a temperature probe cable that may be associated with acontroller or control system for a heated or electrically poweredmedical breathing tube.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 15-20, a retainer 40 is providedabout an external surface of the body 2. Those embodiments illustratedby FIGS. 1-13B may also include a retainer, although are notspecifically shown. It may also be appreciated that the retainer 40portion may be provided about an internal surface of the body 2,appropriately positioned to be non-interfering with positioning orengaging of the tubes to which the body 2 is engageable.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred formsthereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from thescope of the invention.

1. A component for use with one or more tubes, the component comprising:a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses ofrespective one or more tubes, and a pair of jaws extending from the bodyfor gripping an item, such that, in use, in a first orientation of thebody relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component ismovable along a length of the tube(s), and in a second orientation ofthe body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component isresistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).
 2. The component asclaimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the body is substantiallysurrounding of a perimeter of the tube(s).
 3. The component as claimedin claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an internal surface of the body isengageable with the one or more external surface recesses of thetube(s).
 4. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3,wherein in the first orientation the component is in a plane such thatthe body engageable with external recesses of the respective tube(s) issubstantially co-axial with the respective tube(s), and in the secondorientation the component is in a plane such that the body is engageablewith external recesses of the respective tube(s) is substantially nonco-axial with the respective tube(s).
 5. The component as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more portions extend from the bodyto be engageable with the recesses of the tube(s).
 6. The component asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more portions is/are fixedportions.
 7. The component as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein theone or more portions is/are an annular lip or a projection orprojections extending from an internal surface of the body.
 8. Thecomponent as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the jaws areopposing upon one another in a closed position.
 9. The component asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the jaws are co-acting uponeach other in a closed position.
 10. The component as claimed in any oneof claims 1 to 9, wherein the jaws are hingedly biased toward each otherin reaching a substantially closed position.
 11. The component asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the jaws are openable froma substantially closed position for gripping of an item, openable bydeflecting the jaws away from each other.
 12. The component as claimedin any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the jaws are openable andgrippable of an item for locating of the tube engaged by the componentin a set position.
 13. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1to 12, wherein the component is positioned on the tube(s), such that,when the component is in the second orientation, and the jaws aregripping of an item, the component acts to locate the tube(s) in a setposition.
 14. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13,wherein the item comprises one or more of the following: clothing,bedding, structures associated with personal clothing (e.g. personallanyard, belt) or bedding (e.g. bed frame, mattress), structuresassociated with medical equipment or where a user is located (e.g.stands, bed side table), incubators, or cots.
 15. The component asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises ashoulder portion associated with each jaw of the pair of jaws, theshoulder portion providing a surface for actuation, by a user, of thejaws to an open position.
 16. The component as claimed in claim 15,wherein the shoulder portion is an enlarged region of the body.
 17. Thecomponent as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, in use, theshoulder portions are deflectable towards each other, such that, in-use,deflection moves the jaws from a closed or substantially closed positionto or toward a substantially open position, and release of thedeflection allows the hingedly biased jaws to move back to the closed orsubstantially closed position.
 18. The component as claimed in any oneof claims 1 to 17, wherein the shoulder portions are sized for actuationby fingers of a user, or are finger tabs.
 19. The component as claimedin any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein one or each jaw comprises gripsfor gripping of an item.
 20. The component as claimed in claim 19,wherein the grips are one or a series of ridges, projections or teeth,such grips being interlockable or interposing with one or morecorresponding grips of an opposing jaw.
 21. The component as claimed in19 or claim 20, wherein one of more of the grips is shaped to expose oneor a series of acute angled portions facing inwardly toward the body.22. The component as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein oneof more of the grips is shaped to expose one or a series of obtuselyangled portions facing outwardly away from the body.
 23. The componentas claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the body is configuredto be substantially annular about the exterior surface of the, or each,respective tube(s).
 24. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1to 23, wherein the body further comprises at least one retainer portionfor retaining of an accessory.
 25. The component as claimed in claim 24,wherein the accessory is an electrical cable, or sensor cable (such as atemperature probe cable), or a lanyard.
 26. The component as claimed inclaim 24 or claim 25, wherein the accessory is a temperature probecable.
 27. The component as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26,wherein the retainer portion is a recessed region of the body.
 28. Thecomponent as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the bodyconfigured to be engageable with two or more tubes.
 29. The component asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the body is configured tosubstantially surround two or more tubes.
 30. The component as claimedin any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the body engageable with one ormore external surface recesses of the respective one or more tubescomprises, for each respective tube: at least one first projectionengageable with a corresponding first recess of a respective tube, andat least one second projection engageable with the same first or anotherrecess, of the same respective tube.
 31. The component as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 30, wherein in the first orientation, the internalsurface of the body comprises, for each of the respective one or moretubes: at least one first projection engageable with a correspondingfirst recess of a respective tube, and at least one second projectionengageable with the same or another recess, of the same respective tube,located near the first recess in which the at least one first projectionis engageable.
 32. The component as claimed in claims 30 or claim 31,wherein in the second orientation, the internal surface of the bodycomprises, for each of the respective one or more tubes: the at leastone first and at least one second projections engaged with a recess orrecesses of each respective tube, wherein the engaged recesses of eachrespective tube are separated from one another by a distance along thelength of each of the respective tube(s).
 33. The component as claimedin any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein in the second orientation, the atleast one first and at least one second projections act on each of therespective tube(s), or its recesses or a part thereof, to restrain thecomponent from being moved between recesses or along a length of therespective tube(s).
 34. The component as claimed in any one of claims 30to 33, wherein there are two first projections, and a single secondprojection.
 35. The component as claimed in claim 34, wherein in thefirst orientation, the two first projections are engageable with acorresponding first recess of a first of one or more respective tube(s),and the single second projection is engageable with the same or anotherrecess of the same first respective tube located near the first recessin which the at least one first projection is engageable.
 36. Thecomponent as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein in the secondorientation, the two first projections are engageable with acorresponding first recess of the first of the one or more respectivetube(s), and the single second projection is engageable with a recess ofthe same first respective tube separated from the first recesses by adistance along the length of the same first respective tube.
 37. Thecomponent as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the body isengageable with one or more external surface recesses of a pair oftubes, the body comprising: at least one first projection engageablewith a corresponding first recess of a first respective tube, and atleast one second projection engageable with the same first or anotherrecess, of the same first respective tube, and at least one furtherfirst projection engageable with a corresponding first recess of asecond respective tube, and at least one further second projectionengageable with the same first or another recess, of the same secondrespective tube.
 38. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to29, wherein body comprises at least one lip for engaging with at leastone recess of the or each respective tube(s).
 39. The component asclaimed in claim 38, wherein the lip is one or a series of projectionsextending substantially annularly about a surface of the body and beingrespectively engageable with the one or more external surface recessesof the or each respective tube(s).
 40. The component as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tube(s) is a medical breathingtube.